A Mask for the General

In this novel of a fascist America, two young women clash over their ideas of freedom, only to be strengthened by their loving and loyal friendship.

National Book Award–winning author

A computer virus wiped out America's financial institutions. Corporations abandoned the country to thrive in international markets while small businesses went under. Stricken by widespread unemployment and dwindling resources, people rioted across the nation, forcing the government to declare martial law. General Otis Gleason dissolved the executive branch, usurping the presidency in a coup in order to restore the United States to its former glory.

Mary Owens came to Berkeley, California, to join the band of animal-masked dissidents opposing the regime, longing to belong with one of the Tribes. Mask-maker Layla MacKenzie believes Mary shares her calling and possesses the spiritual nature to create masks that will restore people's souls. Drawn to Layla, Mary soon learns that the mask-makers and Tribes have no desire to fight the General's tyranny, ignoring injustices to serve their higher purpose. The real freedom fighters are part of the Underground, whistleblowers and radio pirates who reveal the government's crimes, and are sentenced to rehabilitation work camps if captured.

When the General outlaws masks, Layla is targeted by the police. Determined to protect her friend despite the risks to her own safety, Mary falls prey to Layla's carefree—and possibly delusional—actions. To survive, the women must overcome their differences and accept that they must make sacrifices for freedom, friendship, and love.